LABOUR councillor Mark Legg has welcomed the Government’s U-turn on the proposed closure of ticket offices across the rail network as overwhelming public opposition paid dividends.
Rail companies had wanted to close practically all of England’s 1,000-plus train station ticket offices but the plans provoked uproar from trade unions, charities and passenger groups who united to voice their opposition.
The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) said it was overjoyed that the voices of blind and partially sighted people had been heard.
Its chief executive Matt Stringer said: “These closures would have left many blind and partially sighted people unable to live a full life.
“RNIB research shows that only three per cent of people with sight loss said they could use a ticket vending machine without problems and 58 per cent said it was impossible.”
Mr Legg, Labour councillor for Bexhill Old Town and Worsham had been a vociferous critic of the proposed closures.
He told Bexhill News: “It is fantastic to learn that the Government has made yet another U-turn. They control the rail franchises, pretending that these are independent privatised companies.
“The policy of closing railway ticket offices at our stations was one they had been eager to implement for a long time.
“The Government was not listening to railway professionals who had warned that the plan was unworkable.
“This great result demonstrates that when people passionately believe in something and organise, real change can be achieved.
“Members of the local Labour Party campaigned at Bexhill and Battle stations in all weather conditions to bring the Rail Minister’s proposals to the attention of customers of both Southern and South Eastern (railway franchises).
“These customers pledged to write with their concerns to the consultation, participating in the largest public response ever.
“Rail travellers, tourists, and those with special needs will now continue to receive the best advice from professional staff rather than attempting to navigate often difficult to use and often out-of-service machines. We are so pleased that the consequent loss of accessibility to travel has been avoided.
“We would like to express our gratitude to all the members of the public in Bexhill, Battle and the surrounding areas who signed our petition and took the time to share their comments. It is a great win.”
